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If you’re looking to experience all of the wildlife, scenery, and adventures that Kakadu National Park has to offer, you’ve come to the right place!
After living in Darwin and visiting Kakadu countless times, we’ve come to realize that taking a tour is the best way to see the park. It’s the most convenient, hassle-free option, and you’ll be able to see so much more than you would if you went it alone.
In this blog, we’ve narrowed down the absolute best tours from Darwin to Kakadu for every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a quick one-day trip or a multi-day adventure, you are sure to find the perfect experience for you below!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE Kakadu tour is this full-day cultural adventure that includes an Aboriginal-guided cruise, a visit to Arnhem Land, and ancient rock art at Ubirr. It’s the perfect way to experience Kakadu’s highlights, culture, and wildlife in just one unforgettable day!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- The BEST Kakadu Tours from Darwin
- Why go on a Kakadu Tour from Darwin?
- Is a Kakadu Tour from Darwin worth it?
- Other Activities to do while in Darwin
- Where to Stay in Darwin
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
The BEST Kakadu Tours from Darwin
1. Scenic Flight and River Cruise Day Tour (Bucket-list Option)
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Scenic flight from Darwin to Kakadu National Park, spot crocodiles on a yellow water cruise, visit Nourlangie Rock and the Warradjan Aboriginal Cultural Centre
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip scenic flight from Darwin to Kakadu, wetlands cruise, National Park entry fees, lunch, drinks, audio headsets
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 140+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No
- Price: Check price here!
This once-in-a-lifetime experience is such an epic way to see both Darwin and Kakadu from a totally unique perspective!
You’ll hop on a scenic flight from Darwin and soar over Kakadu’s waterfalls, winding rivers, and lush wetlands—it’s honestly one of the most jaw-dropping views we’ve ever seen. Once you land, the adventure continues with a peaceful Yellow River cruise where you’ll spot crocodiles and birdlife in their natural habitat. You’ll also visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre before taking in more spectacular scenery on your flight back to Darwin.
We love this tour because it packs so much into one day without feeling rushed, and the bird’s-eye views of the national park are just unbeatable. It’s also a great alternative if you’re short on time and want to skip the long drive!
This popular tour includes everything you need—scenic flights, a guide, river cruise, lunch, and national park fees—so you can just sit back and enjoy the adventure. It runs daily year-round and departs at 9 am, but it books up quickly so we recommend locking it in early!
Check availability and book this scenic flight tour here!
2. 1-day Kakadu Tour from Darwin (Most Affordable Option)
- Duration: 14 hours
- Time: 6 am
- Highlights: Ubirr Rock, Nadab Lookout, Guluyambi Cultural Cruise on the East Alligator River, exploring Arnhem Land, learning about the area’s history and culture from an Aboriginal guide
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup/drop-off, professional guide, cultural cruise, lunch, snacks, water, Kakadu National Park entry ticket
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 750+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This full-day Kakadu tour from Darwin is perfect if you want a taste of Kakadu National Park but don’t have the time (or budget) for a multi-day adventure.
We did this tour recently and were blown away by how much ground we covered in just one day! Cruising down the East Alligator River with our Aboriginal guide was such a memorable experience—he pointed out crocodiles hiding in the water, explained ancient traditions, and made the land come alive with stories. (In the wet season, they swap this for a Yellow Water Cruise, which is just as beautiful.)
We also got to step into Arnhem Land, learn about traditional tools during a cultural demo, and explore Ubirr Rock, where the rock art is seriously impressive. The view from Nadab Lookout at the end of the day was the perfect cherry on top!
This tour only runs on select days, so be sure to check the schedule and book early. It’s a long day (about 14 hours), but 100% worth it. With lunch, snacks, water, and hotel pickup included, you can just sit back and soak in the beauty of Kakadu. And with hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews, you can rest assured you’re in for something special!
Book this full-day tour here and get FREE 24-hour cancellation!
Related Read: Looking for some other fun activities to do while you’re in Darwin? Check out our list of our top ten favorite things to do here!
3. 3-Day Camping Kakadu Tour & Litchfield Tour (Budget-friendly)
- Duration: 3 days (2 nights)
- Time: 6:30 am
- Highlights: Explore Kakadu and Litchfield National Park on a 4WD safari, spot wildlife on a wetlands cruise, visit waterfalls and natural plunge pools, go on guided bush walks
- Inclusions: Professional guide/driver, water, wetlands cruise, meals, entry fees
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This 3-day small group safari is such a fun and budget-friendly way to explore Kakadu—perfect for adventurous travelers who don’t mind roughing it a little. We did this tour on one of our trips to Kakadu and had an absolute blast!
You’ll depart Darwin and head straight into Kakadu National Park for three epic days of swimming in natural pools, hiking through rainforests, spotting crocs on a wetland cruise, and checking out some of the park’s most iconic sights—including ancient Aboriginal rock art at Ubirr and some seriously stunning waterfalls.
One of our favorite parts? You’ll be cruising around in a 4×4 vehicle, which means you can get off the beaten path and reach those remote spots most tours miss. And just when you think it can’t get better, the final day is spent exploring Litchfield National Park—so you get to experience the highlights of two national parks in one trip!
This is definitely a tour for those who don’t mind sleeping under the stars (or in a comfy safari tent if you upgrade). It runs on select days from mid-April to October and includes all meals, camping equipment, park fees, transportation, and your awesome guide.
Check the schedule and secure your spot on this camping adventure here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. 4-Day Kakadu & Katherine Tour (Luxury Option)
- Duration: 4 days (3 nights)
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: Cruise down the Corroboree Billabong Wetlands, explore waterfalls and natural pools, learn about Aboriginal culture, see the sunrise from Nawurlandja lookout
- Inclusions: Professional guide/driver, 3 nights’ accommodation, cultural cruises, meals, entry fees
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check the great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Get ready for a safari-style adventure through the Top End on this unforgettable 4-day Kakadu tour from Darwin! We love this option for travelers who want to explore the region in depth without giving up the comfort of a cozy hotel bed at night.
Traveling in a small group (max 20 people) and a rugged 4WD vehicle, you’ll experience the very best of Kakadu and Katherine. The itinerary is packed with highlights: think jaw-dropping waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal rock art, epic lookout points, and a cultural cruise along the East Alligator River where you might spot crocs and birdlife galore.
What really sets this tour apart is the blend of nature, culture, and comfort. You’ll stay in air-conditioned hotels each night and enjoy fully guided days with knowledgeable local guides who share tons of insight about the region and its traditional owners. And it doesn’t stop with Kakadu—you’ll also explore the charming town of Katherine. Cruise down the dramatic Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge, take a dip in the hot springs, and visit the postcard-worthy Edith Falls.
This tour departs every Monday from May to November and consistently gets rave reviews—just be sure to book early, as it tends to fill up fast!
Book your 4-day luxury adventure here!
Related Read: If you’re looking for another incredible adventure from Darwin, make sure you go on a jumping croc cruise!
Why go on a Kakadu Tour from Darwin?
It’s no secret that Darwin is the starting point for most people visiting Kakadu National Park. After all, it’s the capital city of the Northern Territory in Australia and home to the closest airport, making it the perfect base for exploring Kakadu.
However, what many people planning to visit Kakadu don’t realize is that the park is HUGE. At nearly 20,000 square kilometers, it’s one of the largest national parks in the country. And with so much ground to cover, it can be difficult to see everything that Kakadu has to offer without a little help.
This is where guided tours come in! Not only are they more affordable than going on your own, but you’ll also have a knowledgeable guide by your side to make sure you experience the best that the park has to offer without having to worry about getting around or getting lost!
Not only that, but most tour companies also include transportation to and from Darwin, as well as all of the necessary equipment for your Kakadu adventure. This means that you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the adventure!
Is a Kakadu Tour from Darwin worth it?
Absolutely! A trip to Kakadu National Park is without a doubt one of the best things to do while visiting Darwin! Not only is it full of stunning natural landscapes and ecosystems, but it also provides the opportunity to learn about unique aboriginal history.
Having been there countless times, we think the absolute best way to experience the park is on one of the tours we mentioned above. All of the details are taken care of for you to make sure you have the best time possible!
Learn more about our favorite Kakadu tour here!
Other Activities to do while in Darwin
Now that you’ve found the perfect Kakadu National Park tour, it’s time to plan the rest of your Darwin adventure! Luckily, there’s no shortage of fun things to do here, but to make it easier, I’ve rounded up some of my absolute favorite activities below:
- Jumping Croc Cruise – This is hands-down one of the most unforgettable things to do in Darwin! We’ve done it multiple times and still get goosebumps watching those massive crocs leap out of the water just feet away. We loved this full-day tour that combines the epic croc cruise with a visit to Litchfield National Park. You can read our full review of the best jumping croc cruise here!
- Sunset dinner cruise – Watching the sunset from the water in Darwin was one of my favorite evenings! This dreamy cruise sails across the harbor while you sip sparkling wine and enjoy a 7-course dinner—does it get any better than that?
- Go jet skiing! – Hitting the water on a jet ski is hands-down one of our favorite things to do in Darwin. You can rent one yourself, or you can join this awesome guided jet-ski tour instead. It brings you to all the best spots, so you don’t have to worry about navigating and can just focus on the views.
- Learn Darwin’s WWII history – I was genuinely surprised by how much WWII history Darwin has, and this half-day tour totally opened my eyes. We explored key sites, learned about the bombing of Darwin, and visited the Aviation Museum, all with an amazing local guide who made it super engaging. If you’re into history, this tour is a must!
- Visit the wetlands – One of our favorite ways to explore Darwin’s epic nature is on this Corroboree Billabong Wetland tour. It includes a 2.5-hour cruise that takes you through lush wetlands where you’ll spot crocs, vibrant birdlife, and learn all about the region from a knowledgeable guide. It’s laid-back, scenic, and super informative!
Where to Stay in Darwin
If you’re visiting Darwin, then you’re going to need somewhere to stay. Lucky for you, there are tons of amazing places to stay in Darwin. In fact, there are so many that you might have a hard time choosing!
To help you decide which hotel is best for your needs, I’ve put together a list of the best ones for every budget. These choices are based on my own experience and the experiences of friends and family who always came to visit us in Darwin!
Luxury – $$$
Hilton Darwin is a sleek 5-star hotel right in the heart of the city—perfect if you want to be close to all the action. The rooms are modern and spacious, and there’s a rooftop pool (yes, please!), a fitness centre, and an on-site restaurant serving up delicious local dishes. You’ll be just a short stroll from the waterfront, the Esplanade, and Darwin’s best shops and restaurants, so it’s a super convenient and luxurious base for your stay!
Room prices can range depending on the room category and time of year, but are usually between $200 – $400 AUD. You can check prices and availability online here!
Mid-Range – $$
If you want to be right in the middle of the action without splurging, Oaks Darwin Elan Hotel is a great pick. The rooms are modern and comfy, and if you opt for an apartment, you’ll get a kitchenette and a balcony—some even with ocean views! There’s also an outdoor pool, gym, and restaurant on-site, so it ticks all the boxes for a relaxing, well-located stay.
Rooms usually cost around $300 AUD during the busy dry season, and $150 AUD during the wet season. Reserve your stay here on Booking.com.
Budget – $
The Cavenagh is a centrally located, affordable, and comfortable hotel with a pool and clean rooms. They have standard double rooms, but also have a few dorms available too. The on-site restaurant is a favorite among Darwin locals for their delicious steak and cold beer, so you can’t go wrong grabbing a bite to eat here!
Rooms at the Cavenagh start at $150 AUD. You can check prices and book The Cavenagh online here.
For more details on where to stay in Darwin, check out our complete blog! Otherwise, you can have a look at all of the hotels available online here.
Renting a Car, Campervan, or Motorhome in Australia
With many must-see destinations in Australia outside city limits, one of the best ways to get around is driving yourself!
Australia is a huge country and traveling between cities or getting to some of the most scenic spots requires driving. While public transit is sometimes an option, it often adds a lot of time. Plus, we love the freedom to stop wherever we want and not have to stick to a set schedule.
You have three options: a car, a campervan, or a motorhome. Here’s what you need to know about each and where to get them:
- Car – A rental car is the most affordable option – especially if you choose a smaller vehicle. It gets you to all of the best destinations with ease. The only downside to a car is that you will need to stay in hotels along the way (no camping). The easiest place to rent a car in Australia is on DiscoverCars.com where you can compare cars, companies, prices, features, and more very easily.
- Campervan – A Campervan is a large van with a bed and a small kitchen in the back. It’s what many budget travelers use to get around Australia since it allows you to camp comfortably and for free (most) nights. Campervans are best for couples or solo travelers who are happy to live in a small space. You should also love the outdoors and camping…and be prepared for an adventure of a lifetime! My favorite campervan rental company is JUCY because they have a huge selection of campervans to choose from, plus multiple pick-up/drop-off locations. You can browse JUCY’s campervan selection online here.
- Motorhome – A motorhome is larger and more comfortable than a campervan. Many motorhomes will comfortably sleep 6 or more people – perfect for a family visiting Australia. Motorhomes are the most expensive option, but with one you won’t ever need to stay in a hotel and you’ll save money that way. My top choice for a motorhome company is Star RV because they have beautiful motorhomes at affordable prices. You can check prices and availability for Star RV motorhomes online here. For more detailed info, read my complete guide to renting a motorhome in Australia!
EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT CODE: We’ve managed to snag a discount code for 5% off for our readers if you book your campervan or motorhome through JUCY or Star RV! Simply click here to select your JUCY campervan, or click here to select your Star RV motorhome, and then use the code DTRAVEL25 at checkout to get 5% off – it’s that easy!
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We’ve tested a bunch of eSIMs over the years, and after a few frustrating experiences, we’ve found our favorite — Airalo. It’s fast, reliable, and incredibly easy to use. You can set it up in minutes (even my mom managed it solo on her first try!), and the prices are some of the best out there.
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Thanks for reading!
There you have it, 4 Kakadu Tours from Darwin. As you now know, each tour offers something different and caters to different types of travelers – be sure to pick the right tour for you, and I’m certain you’ll love your time in Kakadu.
If you enjoyed this blog, be sure to check out some of our other blogs about Australia, including a few related reads below:
Guide to a Jumping Croc Cruise in Darwin
Things to KNOW Before Visiting Kakadu